Low thread force cable tie with anchored locking device

ABSTRACT

A two piece cable tie is provided having an improved metal locking device anchoring system. The cable tie includes a strap including a first end and a free end and a locking head secured to the first end of the strap that defines a strap accepting channel in the head having a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The locking head further includes a metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward the strap exit end of the locking head and a mounting slot having an inner support wall, an outer support wall and a support slot communicating the mounting slot with the receiving cavity. A metal locking device is mounted through the metal locking device receiving cavity into the mounting slot. The metal locking device has a free end positioned within the strap accepting channel and a fixed end having at least one bent tang protruding outwardly from a surface of the metal locking device. The fixed end having the at least one bent tang is insertable through the support slot. Upon such insertion, the inner support surface of the mounting slot resiliently urges at least a protruding edge of the at least one bent tang against the outer support surface to anchor the metal locking device within the mounting slot and resist withdrawal of the metal locking device in a direction towards the exit end of the strap accepting channel. The inventive cable tie is capable of multiple strap threading without failure. The barbed anchoring system and method are particularly suited for cable ties having a bent metal locking device with a mounting slot parallel with the strap accepting channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a low thread force twopiece cable tie. More particularly, the invention relates to a lockingdevice for such a cable tie that has an integral protruding tang servingas an anchoring device.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Plastic cable ties having metal locking device inserts are wellknown in the art. Examples of such include U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,598 toMariani and U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,727 to Bernard et al.

[0005] Cable ties of this type include a metal locking device partiallyembedded at an angle within a strap accepting channel of a cable tiehead. The metal locking device is situated at an angle that allowsinsertion of a cable tie strap in an insertion direction, but allows forengagement of the locking device with the strap when it is pulled in aremoving direction to prevent removal. The metal locking device of suchcable ties is in the form of a cantilevered beam that is fixed at oneend and extends into the strap accepting channel at the free end.Operation of such a cable tie will be described with respect to FIGS.1-3, which show operation of a cable tie device according to copendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Atty. Docket No. LCB337), thesubject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

[0006] The cable tie 100 of FIG. 1 includes a strap 104 (partiallyshown) integral with a cable tie head 102. Cable tie head 102 is formedwith a locking device receiving cavity 180 and a strap accepting channel122 having a strap entrance 168 and a strap exit 166. Strap acceptingchannel 122 receives the leading end 112 of strap 104. Locking devicereceiving cavity 180 receives a pre-formed metal locking device 136,which is formed from a corrosion resistant metal such as stainlesssteel.

[0007] Locking device receiving cavity 180 is provided to allow accessto the anchoring region on the end wall for partial embedding of metallocking device 136 in a mounting slot 130 of the cable tie head 102.Mounting slot 130 may be preformed in an interior surface of cavity 180or may be partially formed as a result of pressing an end 134 of lockingdevice 136 into the interior surface of cable head 102. This defines acantilever beam structure having a fixed end 134 and a free end 138 thatextends into strap accepting cavity 122. Metal locking device receivingcavity 180 also allows for movement of locking device 136.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, upon insertion of strap end 112 into thestrap accepting channel, the free end of metal locking device 136 freelyflexes due to the resiliency of the metal and the angle of the device toprovide a low insertion force. Insertion of the cable tie strapcontinues to occur until strap 104 is sufficiently tight around anobject to be constrained, such as an unshown cable bundle. Upon releaseof the strap, or through application of a withdrawal force on the strap,forces flex free end 138 of metal locking device 136 and cause asharpened portion of free end 138 to begin to pierce strap 104 as shownin FIG. 2. When free end 138 sufficiently rests upon the fulcrum point142, resistance to further withdrawal is attained up to a determinabletensile strength value, which is dependent on material selection andother variables.

[0009] Such a cable tie is sufficient for a single locking application(i.e., a single tightening operation). However, what occasionallyhappens is that after an initial tightening or attempt to withdraw thecable tie strap 104, a subsequent tightening or re-threading action maybe initiated to further cinch down the cable tie. As the free end 138 ofmetal locking device 136 has already partially penetrated the surface ofstrap 104, it is possible that during these further re-thread attemptsto advance the strap in the direction of exit 166, the free end will notbreak free from strap 104. Instead, the locking device 136 will remainpartially embedded within the surface of strap 104. In such cases, ifthe retention force of the fixed end 134 is less than the withdrawalforce necessary to break away free end 138 from strap 104, it ispossible that fixed end 134 will be pulled out of slot 130. This isundesirable and results in cable tie failure as shown in FIG. 3, inwhich metal locking device 136 is either completely removed orsufficiently withdrawn from slot 130 to adversely affect proper cabletie functioning. In this example, the retention force acting on fixedend 134 to resist removal is the frictional force between fixed end 134and slot 130. This retention force may be insufficient and isparticularly problematic where the fixed end is oriented substantiallyparallel to the re-threading force acting on strap 104 toward exit 166,as in this example.

[0010] There is a need for a two-piece cable tie having an improvedanchor retention system for a metal locking device.

[0011] There also is a need for a method of easily forming a barbed tangon a metal locking device of a cable tie to serve as an anchor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a two-piece cable tiewith a locking device that has improved anchoring force to resistremoval during initial and subsequent re-threading.

[0013] It also is an object of the invention to provide a method offorming a barbed tang on a metal locking device of a cable tie.

[0014] It is further an object of the invention to punch one or moretangs onto a metal locking device so as to form a ramp that is in adirection conducive to installation but provides resistance to attemptsto withdraw the device.

[0015] The above and other objects are achieved by a cable tie having ananchored metal locking device, comprising: a strap including a first endand a free end; a locking head secured to the first end of the strap,the locking head defining a strap accepting channel in the head having astrap entry end and a strap exit end, the locking head further includinga metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward thestrap exit end of the locking head, the locking head further including amounting slot having an inner support wall, an outer support wall and asupport slot communicating the mounting slot with the receiving cavity;and a metal locking device mounted through the metal locking devicereceiving cavity into the support cavity, the metal locking devicehaving a free end positioned within the strap accepting channel and afixed end having at least one bent tang protruding outwardly from asurface of the metal locking device. The fixed end having the at leastone bent tang is insertable through the support slot. Upon suchinsertion, the inner support surface of the mounting slot resilientlyurges at least a protruding edge of the at least one bent tang againstthe outer support surface to anchor the metal locking device within themounting slot and resist withdrawal of the metal locking device in adirection towards the exit end of the strap accepting channel.

[0016] The invention also provides a method of forming a cable tiehaving an improved anchoring system comprising the steps of: forming acable tie having a strap including a first end and a free end and alocking head secured to the first end of the strap, the locking headdefining a strap accepting channel in the head having a strap entry endand a strap exit end, the locking head further including a metal lockingdevice receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward the strap exit endof the locking head, the locking head further including a mounting slothaving an inner support wall, an outer support wall and a support slotcommunicating the mounting slot with the receiving cavity; forming ametal locking device with a fixed end having at least one bent tang anda free end; initially mounting the metal locking device through themetal locking device receiving cavity into the mounting slot byinserting the fixed end through the support slot until the fixed end isurged against the inner support wall; and further inserting the metallocking device into the mounting slot and causing the inner supportsurface to be resiliently deformed until the at least one bent tang issubstantially received within the mounting slot, at which time the innersupport surface urges at least an edge of the at least one bent tangagainst the outer support surface to securely anchor the metal lockingdevice to the mounting slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following description ofpreferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an initial threading of acable tie strap according to a related invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1showing the cable tie strap after a locking operation has beenperformed;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1showing the cable tie strap after a re-threading operation;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of a cable tie according to theinvention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cable tie of FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 6 is top partial view of a cable tie according to theinvention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 6 takenalong line 7-7 according to a first embodiment showing a partiallyinstalled metal locking device;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a blow-up partial view of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fully installed metallocking device according to the first embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a metal locking device accordingto a first embodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a top view of the metal locking device of FIG. 10;

[0029]FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the metal locking device ofFIG. 10;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a side view of the metal locking device of FIG. 10;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a top view of a second embodiment of the metal lockingdevice according to the invention;

[0032]FIG. 15 is a side view of a metal locking device of FIG. 14;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a top partial view of a cable tie according to a secondembodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 16taken along line 1717 showing a partially installed metal lockingdevice;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a blow-up partial view of FIG. 17;

[0036]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 17 witha fully installed metal locking device;

[0037]FIG. 20 is a blow-up partial view of FIG. 19;

[0038]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 19taken along line 2121;

[0039]FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the cable tie according to the secondembodiment;

[0040]FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of the cable tie of FIG. 22;

[0041]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a die and punch used to make themetal locking device of FIGS. 10-13 before the punch has acted on thelocking device;

[0042]FIG. 25 is a top view of the punch of FIG. 24 engaged with thelocking device;

[0043]FIG. 26 is a front section of the punch of FIG. 24 engaged withthe locking device;

[0044]FIG. 27 is a right side section view of the punch of FIG. 24engaged with the locking device;

[0045]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the punch and die of FIG. 24after the punch has acted on the locking device;

[0046]FIG. 29 is a close-up of the die of FIG. 28 showing formed benttangs;

[0047]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative die and punch withan additional support base;

[0048]FIG. 31 is a top view of the punch of FIG. 30 shown engaged withthe locking device;

[0049]FIG. 32 is a front section of the punch of FIG. 30 shown engagedwith the locking device;

[0050]FIG. 33 is a right side section of the punch of FIG. 30 shownengaged with the locking device;

[0051]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the punch and die of FIG. 30after the punch has acted on the locking device; and

[0052]FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of the die of FIG. 30 shownafter the punch has acted on the locking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] An inventive cable tie 100 with a securely anchored metal lockingdevice according to a first embodiment will be described with referenceto FIGS. 4-15. As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, cable tie 100 includes alocking head 102 and a strap 104. Cable tie 100 can be made from variousmaterials as known in the art. Suitable materials include by way ofexample, nylon, polypropylene, and various fluoropolymers. Cable tie 100can be formed in various sizes and lengths to suit a particularapplication as also known in the art. Obviously, desired loop tensilestrength is one factor to decide when selecting sizing of the strap,locking head, locking device and other components.

[0054] While cable tie 100 is shown to have locking head 102 with astrap accepting channel 122 parallel to a strap attachment axis S and astrap that is bent at approximately 90° from strap attachment axis S,cable tie 100 is not limited to such a configuration and may take otherforms. For example, the cable tie 100 may have a straight strap thatcontinues to extend substantially along axis S. Additionally, cable tie100 may have a more conventional right angle locking head such as thatshown in Bernard '727, that has a strap accepting channel at a rightangle to strap attachment axis S.

[0055] Strap accepting channel 122 of cable tie head 102 receives aleading end 112 of strap 104 during use. Strap accepting channel 122includes a strap entry end 168 through which strap 104 is first insertedand a strap exit end 166. Leading end 112 is preferably tapered. Strap104 may be provided with a longitudinally extending central groove 110on the inside surface and a longitudinally extending central slot on theoutside surface (unshown). Central groove 110 may taper at the end ofthe strap adjacent locking head 102 to form an increased width, such asby providing a V-groove 120 as best shown in FIGS. 4-5:

[0056] As better shown in FIGS. 6-8, locking head 102 also includes alocking device receiving cavity 180. Locking device receiving cavity 180provides access to the anchoring region for metal locking device 136 forpartial embedding of metal locking device 136 in a mounting slot 130 oflocking head 102 to define a cantilever beam structure having a fixedend 134 and a free end 138 that extends into strap accepting cavity 122.Metal locking device receiving cavity 180 also allows for movement oflocking device 136 and includes a relief portion 182 (recessed wall) andprotruding wall portion 184. Relief 182 is formed in end wall 124 at alower part of receiving cavity 180 adjacent to the mounting slot 130.Mounting slot 130 also includes an outer support surface 164 and aninner support surface 162.

[0057] Metal locking device 136 is preferably formed from a corrosionresistant metal, such as stainless steel as known in the art. Whilemetal locking device 136 may take a conventional straight form, it ispreferably bent or formed so that free end 138 is at a predeterminedangle relative to fixed end 134. It is also preferable for fixed end 134to be substantially parallel to the axis of strap accepting channel 122.This allows for easier insertion of locking device 136 into cavity 180.It also allows for a lower profile cable tie head. In any case, free end138 extends into strap accepting channel 122 at an acute angle relativeto the axis of strap accepting channel 122 facing strap exit end 166.Moreover, according to the invention, metal locking device 136 isprovided with one or more bent protruding tangs 132 that project outwardfrom the surface of fixed end 134 and act to anchor the locking devicewithin support cavity 130 of locking head 102.

[0058] A first preferred embodiment of the metal locking device 136 isshown in FIGS. 10-13 and has two bent tangs 132, which are preferablyformed on edge surfaces of fixed end 134 and are angled outward. Anotherembodiment of the metal locking device is shown in FIGS. 14-15 andincludes a single bent tang 132 projecting from an intermediate surfaceof the locking device 136.

[0059] Referring back to FIGS. 7-8, metal locking device 136 is shownbeing installed through receiving cavity 180 and partially inserted intomounting slot 130. FIG. 9 shows the metal locking device 136 fullyinserted. As best shown in FIG. 8, when the metal locking device 136 isinstalled, relief 182 allows the locking device to be inserted withoutinterference with the locking device receiving cavity walls until themetal locking device 136 has been sufficiently inserted into themounting slot 130. This keeps the metal locking device straight duringinstallation. At such time of partial insertion, fixed end 134penetrates through an entrance of the mounting slot 130 while the atleast one bent protruding tang 132 is still located in receiving cavity180. That is, bent tang 132 is accommodated by the relief 182 so as toalign the metal locking device while not inhibiting insertion. Uponfurther insertion, the at least one bent tang 132 is forced through theentrance to mounting slot 130 as shown and the inner support surface 162becomes displaced (i.e., pushed to the right as shown in FIG. 8). Aftersufficient insertion, bent tang 132 becomes substantially within, andpreferably entirely within, mounting slot 130, as shown in FIG. 9. Dueto this configuration, two elements assist in retaining the metallocking device securely within the mounting slot 130. First, the urgedinner support surface 162 acts to bias the locking device 136 toward theouter support surface 164. That is, the inner support surface 162elastically relaxes in an attempt to return to its original position.Further, while the shape of the bent tang 132 allows for a rather lowresistance to insertion, due to the outwardly projecting jagged edges,tangs 132 tend to bite into the outer support surface 164 due to thebiasing from the inner support surface 162. Forces acting to remove thefree end of the strap in direction P, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, act tofurther urge the sharp jagged edge of bent tang 132 against the outersupport surface 164 effectively increasing the anchoring force providedby this structure. Forces acting to remove the metal locking device fromslot 130 in direction T, as shown in FIG. 9, are resisted by the bitingengagement of tang 132 against outer support surface 164.

[0060] Referring back to FIGS. 7-9, once fully inserted, cantileveredmetal locking device 136 is supported at a fulcrum point defined by anupper edge 142 of an inner wall of cable head 102. Metal locking device136 has a free length defined from the fulcrum point to free end 138that allows free end 138 to extend into channel 122 by a distance tosufficiently engage a strap being threaded through strap acceptingchannel 122 and prevent withdrawal of the strap from the channel.

[0061] A second embodiment of the invention will be shown with referenceto FIGS. 16-23. As better shown in FIGS. 16-18, cable tie head 102includes a locking device receiving cavity 180 as in the firstembodiment. Locking device receiving cavity 180 receives metal lockingdevice 136 and is provided to allow access for partial embedding ofmetal locking device 136 in a mounting slot 160 of cable tie head 102.As in the first embodiment, metal locking device receiving cavity 180also allows for movement of locking device 136 and includes a reliefportion 182 (recessed wall) and protruding wall portion 184.

[0062] As with the locking device of the first embodiment, metal lockingdevice 136, of this second embodiment can be provided with one or morebent protruding tangs 132 that project outward from the surface of fixedend 134. These bent tangs may be the same as the exemplary bent tangsshown in FIGS. 10-15. Thus, while it is to be noted that this secondembodiment is being shown and described with the metal locking device136 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, neither the first or the secondembodiments are limited to the locking devices shown.

[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 17, an entrance slot 152 is formed in awall portion 150 disposed at an interior wall of mounting slot 160.Entrance slot 152 is preferably less thick than locking device 136. Asin the first embodiment, mounting slot 160 also includes an outersupport surface 164 and an inner support surface 162. However, in thesecond embodiment, the slot 160 is preformed and is designed with innerand outer support walls that are farther apart than the width ofentrance slot 152 so as to define a receiving ledge 154 on a lower sideof wall portion 150 between entrance 152 and outer surface 164. As bestshown in FIG. 23, mounting slot 160 may include an opening that extendsto the exterior of cable tie head 102.

[0064] Referring back to FIGS. 17-18, metal locking device 136 is shownbeing installed through receiving cavity 180 and partially inserted intomounting slot 160. FIGS. 19-20 show the metal locking device 136 fullyinserted. As best shown in FIG. 18, when the metal locking device 136 isbeing installed, relief 182 allows the locking device to be insertedwithout interference with the locking device receiving cavity wallsuntil the metal locking device 136 has been sufficiently inserted intothe slot 160. This keeps the metal locking device straight duringinstallation. At such time of partial insertion, fixed end 134penetrates through wall 150 via entrance slot 152 of the mounting slot160 while the at least one bent protruding tang 132 is still located inreceiving cavity 180 above wall portion 150. That is, bent tang 132 isaccommodated ! by the relief 182 so as to align the metal locking devicewhile not inhibiting insertion. Upon further insertion, the at least onebent tang 132 is forced through the wall 150 to mounting slot 160 asshown and the inner support surface 162 becomes displaced (i.e., pushedto the right). After sufficient insertion, bent tang 132 becomessubstantially within, and preferably entirely within, mounting slot 160,as shown in FIGS. 19-20. Due to this configuration, several elementsassist in retaining the metal locking device securely within themounting slot 160. First, the urged inner support surface 162 acts tobias the locking device 136 toward the outer support surface 164. Thatis, the inner support surface 162 elastically relaxes in an attempt toreturn to its original position. Further, while the shape of the benttang 132 allows for a rather low resistance to insertion, due to theoutwardly projecting jagged edges, tangs 132 tend to bite into the outersupport surface 164 due to the biasing from the inner support surface162. Forces acting to remove the metal locking device from slot 160 indirection T, as shown in FIG. 20 are resisted by the biting engagementof the sharp jagged edge of bent tang 132 against the outer supportsurface 164 and retaining ledge 154.

[0065] Additional views of the second embodiment are shown in FIGS.21-23, which show mounting slot 160 including an opening that extendsentirely through the cable head 102 and-to an external surface. Theopening may be provided for manufacturing reasons and should be smallerthan the lateral width of the locking device 136. The bent tangs 132 ofthe metal locking device can be formed by any known or subsequentlydeveloped method. However, two exemplary methods of forming bent tangs132 for the preferred first embodiment (FIGS. 10-13) are illustrated inFIGS. 24-35. In FIG. 24, metal locking device 136 is placed in apunching die 300 and is acted upon by a punching ram 350. As shown,fixed end 134 overhangs die 300 by a predetermined distancecorresponding to a desired location of bent tangs 132. Upon pressing ofram 350 against die 300 with a suitable pressing force dependent uponthe material and size of element 136 selected, and subsequent opening ofthe die, metal locking devices 136 can be formed with the desired benttangs 132 as shown in FIG. 28. Bent tangs 132 are better shown in theclose-up of FIG. 29. To make the illustrated exemplary bent tangs, alower face of punching ram 350 is provided with an inverted V-shapedtooling surface. However, this is merely one example of a tangstructure. Other suitable tang structures are contemplated.

[0066] Once the bent tangs are formed, the metal locking device 136 issuitably formed and bent into the angled shape so that the free end isangled relative to the fixed end, such as by the method described inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Atty. Docket No. LCB339), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. Alternatively, the bent tangs may be formed after themetal locking device has been bent in the angled shape.

[0067] An alternative embodiment further is provided with a support base400, which supports the overhanging portion of metal locking device 136that extends beyond die 300 as shown in FIGS. 30-35. In this embodiment,the fixed end 134 is not free floating during punching but is insteadsupported by base 400. To allow for formation of the bent tangs 132,support base 400 is provided with a support surface 402 and two tangreceiving cavities 404. During punching, support surface 402 willsupport the overhanging section of metal locking device 136. However,the cavities 404 allow formation of the tangs 132.

[0068] With either of the above embodiments, a beneficial anchoring ofthe locking device to the cable tie head can be achieved. The at leastone tang provides additional resistance to metal locking device pulloutto prevent failures of the cable ties, particularly during cable tiere-threading procedures after initial tensioning. The at least one tangalso reduces the required depth of the anchor over that of previoussystems that relied upon a straight locking device fixed end andfrictional fit. Alternatively, instead of a single punching ram, twopunching rams may be provided, with each forming one of the two benttangs 132. In such a case, each ram could have a working face angled atan acute angle to the face of the metal locking device.

[0069] While the systems of the invention have been described inconjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evidentthat many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments areintended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable tie having an anchored metal lockingdevice, comprising: a strap including a first end and a free end; alocking head secured to the first end of the strap, the locking headdefining a strap accepting channel in the head having a strap entry endand a strap exit end, the locking head further including a metal lockingdevice receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward the strap exit endof the locking head; and a metal locking device mounted through themetal locking device receiving cavity into a mounting slot, the mountingslot having an inner support wall and outer support wall, the metallocking device having a free end positioned within the strap acceptingchannel and a fixed end having at least one bent tang protrudingoutwardly from a surface of the metal locking device, wherein the fixedend having the at least one bent tang is insertable into the mountingslot and upon such insertion the inner support surface of the mountingslot resiliently urges at least a protruding edge of the at least onebent tang against the outer support surface to anchor the metal lockingdevice within said mounting slot and resist withdrawal of the metallocking device in a direction towards the exit end of the strapaccepting channel.
 2. The cable tie of claim 1, wherein the receivingcavity includes a relief in a wall opposite the strap accepting channel.3. The cable tie of claim 2, wherein the relief accommodates the atleast one bent tang to minimize interference between the wall and the atleast one bent tang during insertion of the metal locking device throughthe receiving cavity.
 4. The cable tie of claim 1, wherein the fixed endof the metal locking device has a width and includes two bent tangs, oneon each of two widthwise edges of the metal locking device.
 5. The cabletie of claim 1, wherein the fixed end of the metal locking device has awidth and includes a single bent tang provided substantially midwayalong the width.
 6. The cable tie of claim 1, wherein the at least onebent tang is angled toward the outer support surface.
 7. The cable tieof claim 1, wherein the free end of the metal locking device is angledrelative to the fixed end.
 8. The cable tie of claim 7, wherein themounting slot and the fixed end of the metal locking device extendsubstantially parallel with the strap accepting channel.
 9. The cabletie of claim 1, wherein the mounting slot includes a ledge provided onone of the inner and outer support surfaces that forms a stop thatfurther anchors the at least one bent barb and the fixed end of themetal locking device within the support cavity.
 10. A cable tie havingan anchored metal locking device, comprising: a strap including a firstend and a free end; a locking head secured to the first end of thestrap, the locking head defining a strap accepting channel in the headhaving a strap entry end and a strap exit end, the locking head furtherincluding a metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and opentoward the strap exit end of the locking head, the locking head furtherincluding a mounting slot having an inner support wall, an outer supportwall and a support slot communicating the mounting slot with thereceiving cavity; and a metal locking device mounted through the metallocking device receiving cavity into the support cavity, the metallocking device having a free end positioned within the strap acceptingchannel and a fixed end having at least one bent tang protrudingoutwardly from a surface of the metal locking device, wherein the fixedend having the at least one bent tang is insertable through the supportslot and upon such insertion the inner support surface of the mountingslot resiliently urges at least a protruding edge of the at least onebent tang against the outer support surface to anchor the metal lockingdevice within the mounting slot and resist withdrawal of the metallocking device in a direction towards the exit end of the strapaccepting channel.
 11. The cable tie of claim 10, wherein the receivingcavity includes a relief in a wall opposite the strap accepting channel.12. The cable tie of claim 11, wherein the relief accommodates the atleast one bent tang to minimize interference between the wall and the atleast one bent tang during insertion of the metal locking device throughthe receiving cavity.
 13. The cable tie of claim 10, wherein the fixedend of the metal locking device has a width and includes two bent tangs,one on each of two widthwise edges of the metal locking device.
 14. Thecable tie of claim 10, wherein the fixed end of the metal locking devicehas a width and includes a single bent tang provided substantiallymidway along the width.
 15. The cable tie of claim 10, wherein the atleast one bent tang is angled toward the outer support surface.
 16. Thecable tie of claim 10, wherein the free end of the metal locking deviceis angled relative to the fixed end.
 17. The cable tie of claim 16,wherein the mounting slot and the fixed end of the metal locking deviceextend substantially parallel with the strap accepting channel.
 18. Thecable tie of claim 10, wherein the mounting slot includes a ledgeprovided on one of the inner and outer support surfaces that forms astop that further anchors the at least one bent barb and the fixed endof the metal locking device within the mounting slot.
 19. A method offorming a cable tie having a strengthened anchoring system, comprisingthe steps of: forming a cable tie having a strap including a first endand a free end and a locking head secured to the first end of the strap,the locking head defining a strap accepting channel in the head having astrap entry end and a strap exit end, the locking head further includinga metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward thestrap exit end of the locking head, the locking head further including amounting slot having an inner support wall and an outer support wall;forming a metal locking device with a fixed end having at least one benttang and a free end; initially mounting the metal locking device throughthe metal locking device receiving cavity into the mounting slot byinserting the fixed end into the support cavity until the fixed end isurged against the inner support wall; and further inserting the metallocking device into the mounting slot and causing the inner supportsurface to be resiliently deformed until the at least one bent tang issubstantially received within the mounting slot, at which time the innersupport surface urges at least an edge of the at least one bent tangagainst the outer support surface to securely anchor the metal lockingdevice to the mounting slot.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the atleast one bent tang is formed by punch pressing of the metal lockingdevice.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the punch pressing forms athree-sided cut in the metal locking device to form a single bent barb.22. The method of claim 20, wherein the punch pressing forms two benttabs extending outward from side edges of the fixed end.
 23. The methodof claim 22, wherein the punch pressing is achieved in a single blowfrom a press ram at an angle normal to the face of the metal lockingdevice.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of forming areceiving cavity forms a receiving cavity wall with a relief sized toaccommodate the at least one bent tang and minimize interference duringmetal locking device insertion.
 25. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising a step of bending the free end of the metal locking device tobe angled relative to the fixed end.
 26. The method of claim 19, whereinthe step of forming the cable tie head forms the strap accepting channeland the mounting slot to be substantially parallel.